Risen & Rooted

As I sit here typing these words, Evelyn is behind me, at the table, doing a worksheet. I told her if she needed help, just let me know and I would come right over. It’s been a while since I posted here, so I wasn’t even sure what I was going to do when I logged on. Thought I might just see if things were still in tact, but….God never fails to give me a lesson.

The exchange between my daughter and I just moments before I sat down, is the same interaction that God has with us when we are faithfully walking with Him. He is always there, ready to help, as soon as we call on Him. It was never His plan for us to “figure it out” or pull ourselves up by the bootstraps. He’s like that cool teacher that gives you an open book test and all you have to do is read through the book and apply the correct answer. He wants to help EVERY. SINGLE. TIME we call on Him. He is our ever-present help in time of trouble (Psalm 9:9) and His Word is our guidebook.

Becoming a parent has given me the opportunity to know God in a way I did not appreciate beforehand. He really is the best Father in the universe. Every trial, every test, every trouble…He is right there ready, willing and more than able to help me when I come to Him. His Word has all the answers to everything I will ever face. It is my responsibility to point my children in the right direction and God took on that same, active role in my life when I became His child.

Homeschooling, just like parenting, has further opened my eyes to see more of God and just how present He is and aware of our needs in everyday circumstances, just as any loving parent would be. He doesn’t want us struggling through life. Watching my baby sit and struggle through her assignment is never apart of the plan, but I will not override her free will to CHOOSE my help. I’ll ask if she needs it and let her know that I’m here, but she will never be forced to accept my help. I’m here to help in her troubles because I’VE BEEN WHERE SHE IS. Jesus has felt every emotion, faced every trial and tribulation, and has CONQUERED THEM ALL! He has all the answers, and the faster I call on Him, the sooner victory will come.

Society tells us that no one is coming to save us, that we have to figure it out, and have all the right answers if we want to succeed, and further more, that if we go at it alone, then, of course, we can humblebrag, deceptively taking ALL the credit for what we have accomplished. This is the exact OPPOSITE of the way God tells us to handle ourselves.

God’s people were NEVER meant be self-sufficient. He came to save. He has it all figured out. His Word has all the right answers….and HE deserves ALL the credit after He gives us that promised victory.

The next time you are in trouble, remember these things:

1. He is right there waiting for you to call on Him for help. (Jeremiah 33:3)
2. He is our Teacher and all of His tests are open book. He has ALL the answers. (Psalm 119:105)
3. There is nothing that I’m facing that is new to Him. (I Corinthians 10:13)
4. He focuses ALL of His thoughts and attention on me.He’s never too busy to help me. He showers me with His love…like David describes. (Psalm 139)
5. There is nothing too hard for Him to handle. (Jeremiah 32:27)
6. He picks us up when we fall. (Proverbs 24:16)
7. Even though we are stubborn and sometimes refuse His help, He is merciful in not allowing us to be eternally condemned by our foolish decisions. There is always hope for us to turn back to Him. (Lamentations 3:21-23)
8. Be prepared for what will happen if you attempt to handle a situation on your own, through the flesh. He won’t always step in and prevent the fall. (I Samuel 13:12-14)